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Registering for the USMLE® Exams

How do you go about registering for the USMLE exams?

The USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS are required to gain ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduate) Certification. As an International Medical Graduate, you must have ECFMG Certification to work or train in the US.

To register for the USMLE Step 1, 2CK and 2CS exams you must first register with the ECFMG, you can do this at www.ecfmg.org. You will register with them and receive an ECFMG identification number. You will then need to send them a Form 186, identification form signed by a Dean and Notary service.

To actually book your exams, you'll need to book an eligibility period for your exam. This gives you a time frame in which you plan to take your USMLE exam. Once you have stipulated this, you'll be sent a scheduling period with instructions on how to book your exam.

USMLE Exam

Eligibility Period

Registration Fee

Register With

Location

USMLE Step 1

3 months

$820 + $130-$330international test delivery charge

ECFMG

International

USMLE Step 2CK

3 months

$820 + $130-$330international test delivery charge

ECFMG

International

USMLE Step 2CS

12 months

$1,440

ECFMG

US only. Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston, LA and Chicago

USMLE Step 3

3 months

$690

FSMB

US only

USMLE Step 3 Registration

The USMLE Step 3 is usually taken by US Medical Graduates after their first year of Residency. It is required for State Licensure, and can only be taken once ECFMG certification is gained.

International Graduates may choose to take the USMLE Step 3 before Residency to gain a H1B Visa. The USMLE Step 3 is administered by each individual State Board. Therefore, you should register with the Federal State Medical Board (FSMB) at www.fsmb.org.